Homer Glen may burn leaf burning

Ban or restrictions may be imposed this spring

March 26, 2013|By Ginger Reilly, Special to the Tribune

Homer Glen’s Public Services and Safety Committee is working on a draft of a possible ordinance that would reign in leaf burning. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 3 in the Village Board room. (JIM ROBINSON, Chicago Tribune)

After concerns from residents regarding health issues such as asthma, Homer Glen may tighten restrictions on or ban leaf burning as early as this spring.

The village's Public Services and Safety Committee is working on a draft of a potential ordinance that would rein in leaf burning. The panel will seek public feedback at its next meeting at 7 p.m. April 3 in the Village Board room, said Joseph Baber, village staff liaison to the committee as well as the village's chief building official.

Baber said the Village Board might vote on the committee's ordinance this spring. He said the village was "welcoming feedback from residents regarding this topic."

Homer Glen restricts leaf burning on public and private property, requiring a 25-foot distance from a structure, such as a fence or building, Baber said. But some residents have said the restrictions are not stringent enough to keep smoke from traveling onto neighboring property, he said. Some have asked for a ban on leaf burning, citing health and environmental concerns, Baber said.

"Children with asthma or other respiratory problems … are exposed to the smoke from leaf burning," Baber said.

Since the fall, the Public Services and Safety Committee has received an influx of complaints from residents, Baber said. Concerns about leaf burning were brought to the committee before that, but no ban was instituted.

Homer Glen resident Jerry Kuzanek of the 14500 block of South Mallard Lane said the smoke from burning leaves clogs his sinuses and gives him headaches. Kuzanek spoke out about leaf burning during a public comment period at a Village Board meeting in October, when he described leaf burning as "a nuisance and a health hazard" and questioned why the village had no ordinance against it.

Many neighboring communities prohibit leaf burning, and some residents want a ban in Homer Glen too. However, other residents may want to be allowed to continue burning leaves, Baber said.

One option the committee has been considering is to allow leaf burning only on larger properties greater than three acres, Baber said.

Kuzanek said he did not think restricting leaf burning to a certain amount of acreage would solve the problem. People on a large tract may burn leaves at the edge of the property near neighboring residences, he said.

"It's a matter of the smoke blowing all over the place," Kuzanek said.